Five Alberta Artists Gather to Share Their Songs and Stories

Ryan Langlois Hosts Horizon Stage’s Inaugural Singer Songwriter Night on Saturday, March 7

Enjoy an intimate evening exploring the art and craft of songwriting. Hosted by Alberta songwriter Ryan Langlois, this Singer Songwriter Night will feature a panel of four guest artists - Mark Times, Hannah Gazso, Maddison Krebs, and Martin Kerr - all of whom are passionate about telling stories through music. In the tradition of the world-famous songwriter rounds of Nashville, and many festival side-stages, each will share backstories and insight into their writing process. Each will play a few of their favourite songs, and will be challenged to perform a cover of someone else’s work in their own stripped-down style. Singer Songwriter Night with Ryan Langlois at Horizon Stage on Saturday, March 7 promises to be filled with laughter, behind-the-scenes turmoil, and vulnerability – any of which can be the basis of a good song.

The former lead singer of The Boom Chucka Boys, Ryan Langlois’ solo career has earned him three Alberta Country Music Award nominations, and second place in the Project Wild Country Artist Development Program in 2018. He is a barstool balladeer who can turn ordinary moments into lessons in wisdom and grace. Every time he takes the stage, he gives all he has to offer, and something special happens.

Hannah Gazso is a 16 year old singer-songwriter from Ardrossan. Her passion lies in storytelling, and she loves to share her music with anyone who will listen. She has a homegrown coffeehouse country style that is sure to catch your attention. Back from her third trip to Nashville, she is looking forward to what this year will bring her!

Maddison Krebs, a singer-songwriter from Southern Alberta, got her first guitar when she was six so she could put her poetry to music.  She won ole Media Management’s "On The Spot" competition and signed a publishing and record deal in 2016. She has performed at Big Valley Jamboree, Canadian Music Week, Folk Alliance International, Calgary Stampede and The Bluebird Cafe in Nashville. Her single "Real Real Thing" charted in the Top 40 on Radio Disney Country and her EP, Bulls-Eye, reached Top 6 on iTunes Country music chart.

Mark Times from Stony Plain is a novelist with a Gibson, plucking stories from the windswept prairies and humming to the slow clack of typewriter keys. His work is the product of raw emotion filtered through a thoughtful process, distilling songs that are just the right amount of head and heart. His self-titled 2017 EP earned him nominations for the Singer/Songwriter and Roots/Folk Recording of the Year at the Edmonton Music Awards, while the track “Saskatchewine” received an honourable mention in the Canadian Songwriting Competition.

Edmonton-based singer-songwriter Martin Kerr built his career as a busker. He has been an independent musician for 10 years and has achieved some incredible things during that time, including selling out the Winspear Centre twice and landing an album in the Canadian Top 10. Often compared to James Taylor, Kerr's powerful voice and intricate songwriting has earned him praise from the likes of Sarah McLachlan and Bruce Cockburn. His song ‘You’re Amazing’ has been the soundtrack to summer festivals where the audience joins in for the line “I’m not bad myself but you’re amazing.”

If you’ve ever wanted to know the stories behind the songs don’t miss Singer Songwriter Night with Ryan Langlois at Horizon Stage on Saturday, March 7 at 7:30 p.m.  Tickets are just $25 for everyone and they may be purchased at the City Hall Ticket Centre (315 Jespersen Ave), by phone at 780-962-8995 or 1-888-655-9090, and online through Ticketpro.ca.